Associate Engineer, Propulsion Operations

Virgin Galactic; Truth or Consequences (NM); On-site; USD 88,000 - 128,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance available

Job summary

Virgin Galactic in Truth or Consequences, NM is seeking a hands‑on aerospace/mechanical engineer with a strong passion for rockets and spaceflight. You will support propulsion, ground systems, and flight operations while applying critical thinking and teamwork to ensure safety and reliability.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in aerospace or mechanical engineering, plus 3D modeling and MATLAB experience. Relocation assistance is available, and the position is based at Virgin Galactic’s Spaceport

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• 3D modeling knowledge.
• Experience with data analysis software such as MATLAB.
• Ability to make critical split‑second decisions in high stress situations.
• Excellent teamwork, organizational, communication, technical writing, and problem‑solving skills.
• Self‑motivated, self‑starter.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint.
• A passion for rockets and sending people to space!

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and execute operational procedures for propellant/pressurized gases loading.
• Provide real‑time systems monitoring during space flights to monitor performance and recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain and operate Ground Support Equipment for flight operations.
• Proficient with propulsion systems for on‑ship maintenance, pre‑flight, and post‑flight activities.
• Assist with designing and upgrading Ground Support Equipment for reliability and efficiency.
• Resolve rocket motor system issues and implement improvements.
• Review data to identify improvements to meet safety and performance requirements.
• Assist with drafting maintenance manuals and procedures.
• Perform post‑flight data analysis and health monitoring.
• Follow safety practices and PPE requirements; support flight operations schedules.

Skills

3D modeling

Critical thinking

Teamwork

Technical writing

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

SolidWorks

Siemens NX

CATIA

Job description

The engineer must have a strong passion for rockets and human spaceflight. Guided by our values, “Safety above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions in engineering operations. This role requires critical thinking across hardware integration and product lifecycles. Experience with typical rocket propellants from student rocket competitions (LOX, Hypergols, Hydrogen, solids, etc.) is a strong plus.

This role is for a hands‑on person with great attention to detail and excellent people skills. Support the company strategy by holding ourselves and one another accountable for getting the work done.

This is a full‑time position at Virgin Galactic’s aerospace facility in Truth or Consequences at Spaceport America.

Relocation assistance available.

Responsibilities

• Coordinating, and executing operational procedures for propellant/pressurized gases loading
• Providing real‑time systems monitoring during space flights to monitor system performance and recommend corrective actions as required
• Maintaining and operating Ground Support Equipment for flight operations
• Proficient with propulsion systems for on‑ship maintenance, pre‑flight, and post‑flight activities
• Assisting with designing and executing Ground Support Equipment upgrades for increased reliability, improved efficiency, and higher flight cadence operations
• Resolving and dispositioning rocket motor system issues and implementing future improvements
• Reviewing operational data to identify areas for further development, testing, analyses, and improvement to ensure the system meets and exceeds all requirements for performance, safety, and reliability
• Recommending concepts for component or system redesign based on operational experience, reliability, and maintainability
• Assisting with authoring, reviewing, and approving technical publications (maintenance manuals, operating procedures, work instructions, dispositions, piping and instrumentation diagrams)
• Performing post flight data analysis, including continued development of system health monitoring and reliability data
• Continuously practice safety behavior and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness/prevention; adhere to regulatory protocols and rules
• Work collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks

Required Skills And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution
• 3‑D modeling knowledge
• Experience with data analysis software such as MatLab
• Ability to make critical split‑second decisions in high stress situations
• Excellent teamwork, organizational, communication, technical writing, and problem‑solving skills
• Self‑motivated, self‑starter
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint
• A passion for rockets and sending people to space!

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Internship/Co‑op experience
• Experience with student rocket launch competitions
• Experience with 3‑D modeling software such as SolidWorks, Siemens NX (Unigraphics), CATIA, etc.
• High pressure fluids operations/testing and analysis or design experience
• Knowledge of or experience with the design of flight vehicles or vehicle systems to a set of requirements or standards such as CFR 14, Part 400, Part 23 and 25, military or NASA
• Hands‑on mechanical and electrical experience

Physical And/or Additional Requirements

• Must be able to work evenings and weekends in accordance with flight operations schedules as needed
• Must be able to stand for extended periods – 9 hours minimum
• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces
• Strong safety forward thinking, practice good housekeeping, tool control, recognizing the importance of properly handling hazardous materials, and chemicals
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Familiar with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full‑time position is $88,279.00 –$127,942.00. The base pay actually offered will vary depending on job‑related knowledge, skills, location, and experience and take into account internal equity. Other forms of pay (e.g., bonus or long term incentive) may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. For more information regarding Virgin Galactic benefits, please visit https://vgcareers.virgingalactic.com/global/en/benefits

Who We Are

Virgin Galactic is an aerospace and space travel company, pioneering human spaceflight for private individuals and researchers with its advanced air and space vehicles. We are making the dream of space travel a reality, delivering spaceflight at an unprecedented frequency, with the development of next generation space vehicles.

Export Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Person (either a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident or a protected individual as defined 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or be able to obtain the required authorization from either the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The applicant must also not be included in the list of Specifically Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. See list here.

EEO Statement

Virgin Galactic is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Virgin Galactic is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Drug Free Workplace

Virgin Galactic is committed to a Drug Free Workplace. All applicants post offer and active teammates are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies. This can include pre‑employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and accident related drug and alcohol testing.

Phoenix Employment Requirements

For individuals seeking employment at our Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport facility, employment is contingent upon you obtaining and maintaining a TSA authorized security badge. This includes initial and annual mandatory background checks that are governed by TSA, and conducted by the Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport badging office.

Accommodation Requests

If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position, please contact the Virgin Galactic Talent Team at: [e-mail]

Mandatory Notices

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